In a drenching rain, Evander Deocariza, an active-duty Marine, was the flag bearer Saturday for the transgender community flag in the color guard for the city's 41st LGBT Pride Parade.
By sheer coincidence, the San Diego parade was the same week that Secretary of Defense Ash Carter announced formation of a six-month working group to study "policy and readiness implications" of "welcoming" transgender people to serve openly. Carter's implication was clear: Make it happen.
Once Carter made his announcement, Deocariza knew what he had to do. He announced to his command, where he is known by a different name, that he is transgender.